HIGHWORTH must avoid defeat at table-topping Didcot to keep their own title aspirations alive.

That's the opinion of manager John Fisher, whose troops are currently nine points off the pace with two games in hand.

But the ever-confident Elms chief doesn't think that will happen.

"We must not lose, that's the important thing," said Fisher.

"If we lost we would have a mountain to climb.

"A draw wouldn't be the end of the world. That said I do believe we'll beat them. On our last two visits there we've won and drawn.

"It's the type of game my lads enjoy against the better teams on the best pitch around here."

As well as holding fort at the top of the Hellenic Premier standings, Didcot have qualified for the quarter-finals of the FA Vase. Fisher believes next week's last-eight tie with Bury Town may be playing on their mind.

"I do think they've got one eye on the Vase but they are top of the league so it would be a bit sad if that were the case," he said.

"Maybe if they were in the final or the semis but not at this stage."

Highworth travel without the suspended Paul Cooper and Steve Richardson who faces a long lay-off with a knee injury.

Fairford host faltering North Leigh with pretty much a full contingent.

Matty Goodwin has recovered from a sprained ankle, leaving knee ligament victim Neil Matthews as the only glaring absentee.

Wootton Bassett take a break from their relegation battle with a Supplementary Cup trip to Rayners Lane that's a club not a ground.

They play in Division One East and currently dwell in the lower half of the table, so Bassett enjoy the rare luxury of starting a fixture as favourites.

"We're four games unbeaten now and it's important to keep that confidence high," said Jones.

"Another victory will just add to that going into a very difficult March."

Rich Willis is missing through work commitments and Matty Bennett is on county duty again.

THE Hellenic League's representative team were 2-1 winners against their Screwfix counterparts on Wednesday night.

Both teams were understrength, but Highworth's Jamie Mills and Justin Miller both featured in the victory which came thanks to a brace from Abingdon's Richard Pierson.